The Chalkboard

Through April 30, the Princess for a Night project at T.C. Williams is collecting dry-cleaned formal dresses, shoes, handbags, jewelry and unused make-up to help young women from around the region “attend prom without breaking the bank,” a school spokesperson said.

For the last seven years, the generosity of women in the community has allowed girls throughout Northern Virginia to attend prom when it would otherwise be too expensive. In May, events are held at T.C. and two other local high schools where young women can select dresses, shoes, handbags and jewelry for free.

Last year, donors contributed more than 500 dresses and more than 325 students from 11 high schools attended, according to the school.

Dress selection this spring will take place on May 14 at T.C. from 4 to 6 p.m., and May 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. Donations can be dropped off at the main office of T.C.’s King Street campus Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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City announces “Power-On” out-of-school program

The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities last week introduced the new name for its elementary-age “out of school time” offered at recreation centers and school facilities throughout the city.

The program is meant to turn the “Power-On” to engaging activities and positive experiences for children to enjoy. From games to arts to skill building to cultural adventure, children will have the opportunity to explore and grow through participation in creative recreation and leisure programs.

In addition, special events such as holiday celebrations, field trips and family activities are offered to enhance programming, a school spokesperson said. Activities are based on an overall yearly theme with related monthly themed activities and events.

The program is offered at Charles Barrett, Charles Houston, Cora Kelly, Mount Vernon, Nannie J. Lee, Patrick Henry and William Ramsay recreation centers; Durant/Jefferson-Houston, John Adams and MacArthur after-school centers and playgrounds; and Ben Brenman and Tancil Court playgrounds. “Power-Up” programs are offered at the Francis C. Hammond and George Washington Middle School campuses.

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T.C. Williams graphics communications students honored

Mark “Slavic” Niebauer won fourth place and William Amponsah, Jr. won fifth place in the graphic communication category of the Skills USA state competition held in North Stafford. The two students are also competitors in the silk screening category of the same competition on April 7 at T.C.

Niebauer, Amponsah and Donya Wright have all been accepted to the graphic communications program at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, N.C, and each student is to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the school, according to a T.C. spokesperson.

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Titan photographers now finalists in national contest

Mary Varano and Katie Mendez, advanced photography students at T.C. Williams High School, are among those still involved in the 30-year-old contest sponsored by Nikon. It awards more than $4,000 in prizes, a school spokesperson said.

All finalists’ images are also published each year in Best of College Photography. The contest receives submissions each year from more than 3,500 high school and college students around the world.

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Jefferson-Houston PTA to hold ‘celebrity’ bingo

A slew of Alexandria luminaries will be on hand Saturday night at Jefferson-Houston elementary school for Celebrity Bingo.Alexandria Town Crier William North-Rudin, Vice Mayor Kerry Donley, City Councilman Frank Fannon, Superintendent Morton Sherman, Spot the Dog, Jefferson-Houston principal Kimberley Graves and other city notables will join the school’s PTA for the inaugural event.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Cameron Street school and the games begin at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 for 10 bingo games and $5 for children. All proceeds will support Jefferson-Houston’s after-school programs and teacher mini-grants.

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